A similarity principle for locally solvable vector fields

AbstractThis paper establishes a weak similarity principle for the class of locally solvable complex vector fields in the plane. The main tool is a local solvability result in an appropriate space of bounded mean oscillation functions

Semi-automatic rubble counting system for superheated droplet detectors

Neutron dose rate measurements are normally performed by means of PADC, CR-39 and TLD detectors. Although, none of these devices can give instant reading of the neutron dose, recently new kind of detectors are being developed, based on the formation of tiny drops in a superheated liquid suspended in a polymer or gel solution, called superheated droplet detector (SDD) or also as bubble detectors (BD), with no response for gamma radiation. This work describes the experimental setup and the developed procedures for acquiring and processing digital images obtained with bubble detector spectrometer (BDS), developed by Bubble Technology Industries, for personal neutron dosimeter and/or neutron energy fluence measurements in nuclear facilities. The results of the neutron measurements obtained during the F-18 production, at the RDS-111 cyclotron, are presented. These neutron measurements were the first ones with this type of BDS detectors in a particle accelerator facility in Brazil and it was very important to estimate neutron dose rate received by occupationally exposed individuals

One step forward towards the development of eco-friendly antifouling coatings: Immobilization of a sulfated marine-inspired compound

Marine biofouling represents a global economic and ecological challenge and few eco-friendly antifouling agents are available. The aim of this work was to establish the proof of concept that a recently synthesized nature-inspired compound (gallic acid persulfate, GAP) can act as an eco-friendly and effective antifoulant when immobilized in coatings through a non-release strategy, promoting a long-lasting antifouling effect. The synthesis of GAP was optimized to provide quantitative yields. GAP water solubility was assessed, showing values higher than 1000 mg/mL. GAP was found to be stable in sterilized natural seawater with a half-life (DT50) of 7 months. GAP was immobilized into several commercial coatings, exhibiting high compatibility with different polymeric matrices. Leaching assays of polydimethylsiloxane and polyurethane-based marine coatings containing GAP confirmed that the chemical immobilization of GAP was successful, since releases up to fivefold lower than the conventional releasing systems of polyurethane-based marine coatings were observed. Furthermore, coatings containing immobilized GAP exhibited the most auspicious anti-settlement effect against Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae for the maximum exposure period (40 h) in laboratory trials. Overall, GAP promises to be an agent capable of improving the antifouling activity of several commercial marine coatings with desirable environmental properties.This research was funded by national funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) within the scope of research unit grants to CIIMAR (UIDB/04423/2020 and UIDP/04423/2020), to BioISI (UIDB/04046/2020 and UIDP/04046/2020) and under the project PTDC/AAG-TEC/0739/2014 (reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016793) supported through national funds provided by FCT and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) via the Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade (POFC/COMPETE) programme and the Reforçar a Investigação, o Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e a Inovação (RIDTI; project 9471)

Clinical And Morphological Evolution Of The Induced Experimental Arthritis In Rattus Novergicus Albinus

The models of experimental arthritis become important in the inquiry of different therapeutical alternatives and briefing of articulate pathogenesis. The possibility of measuring the injury of the articular cartilage makes the experimental model relevantly important, as well as the systemic biological effects that involve the different therapeutics: The radiological and histological aspects of the cartilage were researched in the model of Zynoman-induced arthritis in Rattus novergicus. Rats were submitted to the intra-articular injection (1.0ml) and sacrificed at different times, under anesthesia. The knee joints were surgically removed and processed for coloring in hematoxylin eosin (H&E). The radiographic analyses were carried out through images obtained with dental periapical film. The animals presented serious and gradual synovitis associated to the injury of the cartilage that was evaluated up to 14 days after the stimulation injection. The arthritis model by Zymosan allows the study of the inflammatory alteration of the synovial tissue and of the cartilage. In the presence of Zymosan, the juxtarticular and periarticular tissues develop similar alterations to those found in the autoimmune diseases.2427581Arnett, F.C., Edworthy, S.M., Bloch, D.A., McShane, D.J., Fries, J.F., Cooper, N.S., The American Rheumatism Association 1987 revised criteria for classification of rheumatoid arthritis (1988) Arthritis Rheum, 31, pp. 315-324Brahn, E., Animal models of rheumatoid arthritis: Clues to etiology and treatment (1991) Clin Orthop, 265, pp. 42-53Bernotiene, E., Palmer, G., Talabot-Ayer, D., Quinodoz, I.S., Aubert, M.L., Gabay, C., Delayed resolution of acute inflammation during zymosaninduced in leptin-deficient mice. Arthritis Res (2004) Ther, 6, pp. R256-R263Brandt, K.D., (2000) An Atlas of Osteoarthritis, , Pathernon Publishing, New YorkCossermelli, W., (2000) Terapêutica Em Reumatologia, , São Paulo: Lemos EditorialConsalter, A., Ciconelli, R., Epidemiologia e etiologia da Artrite Reumatóide (2005) Sin Reumatol, 2, pp. 34-38Crilly, A., Genotyping for disease associated HLA DR beta 1 alleles and the need for early joint surgery in rheumatoid arthritis: A quantitative evaluation (1999) Ann Rheum. Dis, 58, pp. 114-117Damas, J., Involvement of platelet-activating factor in the hypotensive response to zymosan in rats (1991) J Lipid Mediat, 3, pp. 333-344Douglas, C.R., (2000) Pato Fisiologia Geral - Mecanismos Da Doença, , São Paulo (SP): Robe EditorialDi Carlo, F.J., Fiore, J.V., In Zymosan Composition (1958) Sci, 127, pp. 756-757Fleiss, J.L., (1981) Statistical Methods For Rates and Proportions, , 2a ed. John Wiley &ampSons Inc. Nova IorqueFrasnelli, M.E., Tarusio, D., TLR2 modulates inflammation in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice (2005) Arthritis Res Ther, 7, pp. 370-379Gegout, P., Gillet, P., Chevrier, D., Guingamp, C., Terlain, B., Netter, P., Characterization of zymosan-induced arthritis in the rat: Effects on joint inflammation and cartilage metabolism (1994) Life Sci, 17, pp. 321-326Hadler, N.M., A Pathogenic Model For erosive synovitis: Lessons from animal arthritides (1976) Arthritis Rheum, 19, pp. 256-266. , Marc-Apr;Imrie, R., Animal Models of Arthritis (1976) Lab Anim Sci, Apr, 26, pp. 345-351Hardin, J.A., Dendritic cells: Potential triggers of autoimmunity and targets for therapy (2005) Ann Rheum Dis, 64, pp. 86-90Keystone, E.C., Schorlemmer, H.U., Pope, C., Allison, A.C., Zymosan induced arthritis: A model of chronic proliferative arthritis following activation of the alternative pathway of complement (1977) Arthritis Rheum, 20, pp. 1397-1401Konno, S., Tsurufuji, S., Analysis of the factor(s) involved in pathogenesis of zymosaninduced inflammation in rats (1985) Japan J Pharmacol, 38, pp. 177-184Laurindo, I.M.M., Ximenes, A.C., Lima, F.A.C., Pinheiro, G.R.C.L.R., Bertolo, M.B., Alencar, P., Xavier, R.M., Radominski, S.C., (2002) Artrite Reumatóide: Diagnóstico E Tratamento, , Projeto Diretrizes Associação Médica Brasileira e Conselho Federal de MedicinaLipski, P.E., Rheumatoid arthritis (1998) Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, , New York: McGraw HillLubberts, E., Joosten, L.A., van den, B.L., Adenoviral vector mediated overexpression of IL-4 in the knee joint of mice with collagen- induced arthritis prevents cartilage destruction (1999) J Immunol, 163, pp. 4546-4556Mehling, A., Beissert, S., Dendritic Cells Under Investigation in Autoimmune Disease Critical Reviews (2003) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 38, pp. 1-21Moreira, C., Carvalho, M.A.P., (2001) Reumatologia - Diagnóstico E Tratamento, pp. 371-389. , 2a ed. Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Médica e CientíficaNouri, A.M.E., Panayi, G.S., Goodman, S.M., Cytokines and the chronic inflammation of rheumatic disease: I - the presence of interleukin- 1 in synovial fluids (1994) Clin Exp Immunol, 55, pp. 295-302Oliver, S.J., Brahn, E., Combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: The animal model perspective (1996) J Rheum, 23 (24 SUPPL), pp. 56-60Rocha, A.C., Aragão, A.G.M., Oliveira, R.C., Pompeu, M.M.L., Vale, M.R., Ribeiro. RA: Periarthritis promotes gait disturbance in zymosan-induced arthritis in rats (1996) Inflamm Res, 48, pp. 485-490Rubin, E., Gorstein, F., Rubin, R., Schwarting, R., Strayer, D., (2006) Patologia. Bases Clinico Patológicas Da Medicina, , Guanabara Koogan 4.a edSAS System For Windows (Statistical Analysis System), , versão 9.1.3 Service Pack 3. SAS Institute Inc, 2002-2003, Cary, NC, USAUnderhill, D.M., Macrophage recognition of Zymosan particles (2003) J Endotoxin Res, 9, pp. 176-180Van den, B.W.B., Joosten, L.A.B., Helsen, M., Vanden-Loo, F.A.J., Amelioration of established murine collagen-induced arthritis with anti- IL-1 treatment (1994) Clin Exp Immunol, 95, pp. 237-243Van den, B.W.B., Animal models of arthritis. What have we learned (2005) J Rheumatol Suppl, 72, pp. 7-9. , 2005 JanWolfe, F., Pincus, T., (1994) Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pathogenesis, Assessment, Outcome and Treatment, pp. 389-390. , By Marcel Dekker, Inc. New Yor

Lagochilascariasis leading to severe involvement of ocular globes, ears and meninges

A case report of a 31 year-old woman from Paraíba State (North-Eastern Brazil) that presented severe involvement of ocular globes, ears and meninges. Diagnosis was established after enucleation of her left eye, when adult worms were seen in the midst of a granulomatous inflammatory process. Her response to the initial treatment with levamisole and cambendazole was good, but there was a relapse after the fifth month of treatment even with maintenance doses of both medications. She later received ivermectin and albendazol and responded well.Paciente do sexo feminino, com 31 anos, procedente da Paraíba, apresentava envolvimento severo de ambos os globos oculares, com perda da visão à esquerda, comprometimento da audição e das meninges. Após enucleação do olho esquerdo fragmento de helminto identificado como Lagochilascaris minor foi observado em processo inflamatório granulomatoso. Inicialmente a paciente foi tratada com levamisol e cambendazol, com bom resultado. Verificou-se, todavia, piora do quadro após cinco meses, com eliminação de larvas do ascarídeo em lesão presente na órbita esquerda, embora a medicação fosse mantida com administração periódica. Houve boa resposta terapêutica, com regressão do quadro, após substituição dos anti-helmínticos anteriores pela associação ivermectina e albendazol

Propolis and its use in production animals.

Propolis is a natural product used by humanity during centuries and is administered in many forms. Its usage occurred centuries ago as an apiarian therapy in popular medicine used as an anti-inflammatory agent. More than two hundred chemical compounds have already been identified in propolis. In general, propolis contains 50-60% resins and balsams, 30-40% waxes, 5-10% essential oils, 5% pollen grains, aside from microelements such as aluminum, calcium, strontium, iron, copper, manganese and small amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and E. Propolis is known mainly for its anti-microbe, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoten-sive, healing, anesthetic, anticancer, anti-HIV, and anti-caries properties. Investigations about the antibiotic properties of propolis have mainly been conducted in medical and veterinary medicine areas, where the product has demonstrated efficient bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity in relation to many types of bacteria, however few zootechnical researches related to these biological activities of propolis have been carried out considering the responses of animals.A própolis é um produto natural utilizado durante séculos pela humanidade e administrada sob diversas formas. Sua utilização ocorreu como apiterápico há séculos na medicina popular como agente antiinflamatório. Já foram identificados mais de 200 compostos químicos, de modo geral, a própolis contém 50-60% de resinas e bálsamos, 30-40% de ceras, 5-10% de óleos essenciais, 5% grãos de pólen, além de microelementos como alumínio, cálcio, estrôncio, ferro, cobre, manganês e pequenas quantidades de vitaminas B1, B2, B6, C e E. A própolis é conhecida principalmente, por suas propriedades antimicrobiana, antioxidante, antiinflamatória, imunomodulatória, hipotensiva, cicatrizante, anestésica, anticancerígena, anti-HIV, e anticariogênica. As investigações sobre as propriedades antibióticas da própolis têm sido conduzidas sobre tudo na área médica e veterinária, onde o produto tem demonstrado uma eficiente atividade bacteriostática e bactericida em relação a diversos gêneros de bactérias, porém poucos trabalhos, de ordem zootécnica, têm sido realizados, considerando-se as respostas dos animais, relacionadas a algumas dessas atividades biológicas

Pharmaceutical development of paracetamol oral suspension

The aims of this work are obtaining and evaluating paracetamol oral suspension 32 mg/mL by qualitative and quantitative planning of the ingredients. The observations of the physical-chemical formulations were based in comparison with the specifications of paracetamol solution contained in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia and editing with some analysis on the same reference drug (Tylenol® child 32 mg / mL). We sought to develop a low cost and good quality formulation, acceptable to the children's market, since the suspension dosage form is characterized by disguising the unpleasant taste of drugs. The chosen formulation showed good rheology properties, excellent sensory and values of pH, viscosity, density and content within the pharmacopoeia specifications. We obtained a satisfactory formulation, with smaller amount of excipients in relation to the reference product, which can be used by diabetics and is compatible with the official specifications, with respect to physical-chemical tests performed.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Dark energy, non-minimal couplings and the origin of cosmic magnetic fields

In this work we consider the most general electromagnetic theory in curved space-time leading to linear second order differential equations, including non-minimal couplings to the space-time curvature. We assume the presence of a temporal electromagnetic background whose energy density plays the role of dark energy, as has been recently suggested. Imposing the consistency of the theory in the weak-field limit, we show that it reduces to standard electromagnetism in the presence of an effective electromagnetic current which is generated by the momentum density of the matter/energy distribution, even for neutral sources. This implies that in the presence of dark energy, the motion of large-scale structures generates magnetic fields. Estimates of the present amplitude of the generated seed fields for typical spiral galaxies could reach $10^{-9}$ G without any amplification. In the case of compact rotating objects, the theory predicts their magnetic moments to be related to their angular momenta in the way suggested by the so called Schuster-Blackett conjecture.Comment: 5 pages, no figure

Development and validation of an analytical method by UV spectrophotometry for the quantitative determination of the anti-neoplastic β-lapachone

A β-lapachona é uma ortonaftoquinona natural extraída de plantas da família Bignoniaceae, como o Ipê Roxo (Tabebuia avellanedae Lor), árvore nativa do Brasil, ou sintetizada a partir de seu isômero lapachol. A β-lapachona têm demonstrado uma série de ações farmacológicas incluindo antibacteriana, antifúngica, tripanossomicida, antiviral e antineoplásica. Não há relatos na literatura de um método analítico espectrofotométrico para a quantificação de β-lapachona. Assim, o presente trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de um método simples, econômico, rápido e preciso por espectrofotometria para a quantificação deste fármaco. O método desenvolvido consiste na solubilização da β-lapachona em álcool etílico com posterior diluição no sistema de solventes álcool etílico:água para quantificação em ultravioleta (λ = 256 nm). O método foi validado segundo parâmetros descritos pela International Conference on Harmonization (Q2A/Q2B) e Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) RE 899/03. Os resultados da validação mostram que o método é robusto, linear, sensível, preciso e exato dentro dos parâmetros avaliados.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire